Non-Combat Deaths in the Armenian Military: Statistics, Causes, and Accountability

Recent non-combat deaths in the Armenian Armed Forces have sparked widespread public debate. Following incidents on July 21 and August 13, including the discovery of soldier Grigor Zakaryan's body, Armenia's Investigative Committee has initiated criminal proceedings under the article of driving a person to suicide.

Statistical Contradictions

According to data from the Vanadzor office of the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly, a prominent human rights organization, 31 deaths were recorded in the military during the first eight months of 2026. Human rights advocate Nazeli Movsesyan notes:

«The situation is worse than in 2025. During 2025, a total of 35 cases were recorded, whereas in the first eight months of this year, there are already 31 cases.»

However, Aram Torosyan, spokesperson for the Armenian Ministry of Defense, reported only 11 cases, arguing that not all of the 30 cases cited by the media are related to military service. He added:

«This year we have recorded 11 deaths. Of the deceased, only five were mandatory conscripts. Some died from illness, others from landmine explosions.»

According to Torosyan, six of those 11 cases are suicides or cases of driving to suicide, but only three are directly related to military service.

Causes Behind the Suicides

According to Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the primary reasons for 85-90% of suicides in the army are:

• Gambling addiction and resulting financial debts,
• Falling asleep while on combat duty.

The Prime Minister defended the top military brass, stating:

«In my assessment, it is not the case that the Chief of the General Staff and the Minister of Defense are failing to make sufficient efforts to solve this problem.»

Movsesyan countered this view, pointing out that gambling and debts have nothing to do with the military itself. Regarding soldiers sleeping on duty, she argued that the root cause must be addressed:

«Why is a soldier sleeping on duty? Is there sufficient personnel to ensure that everyone can rest properly and not feel the need to sleep on watch?»

Personnel Changes and Psychological Support

Against the backdrop of these deaths, Nikol Pashinyan announced personnel changes within the Military Police and relevant departments of the Defense Ministry:

«We will analyze in detail why our efforts in this sector are not yielding the desired results and draw conclusions. Yes, there must be individual accountability.»

Ashot Zakaryan, who served as the Chief of the Military Police for six years, was dismissed from his post. He was replaced by Major General Aram Hovhannisyan, who previously served as the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs from 2023-2025. The Ministry has also initiated consultations with psychologists from Yerevan State University:

«The agenda includes issues related to the prevention of non-statutory relations [hazing] in the army and the elimination of unacceptable behavior.»